19. The Diagnosis of the Tongue in Oriental Medicine.

In Oriental Medicine, tongue diagnosis is an ancient practice that offers deep insight into a person's health status. Considered as a microsystem of the body, the tongue reveals internal imbalances, hidden emotions and the energetic condition of the organs. This diagnostic method is one of the cornerstones of traditional Chinese medicine, and its importance has endured throughout the centuries, being valued by both traditional doctors and those seeking to better understand their health from a holistic perspective.

The Art of Reading Language: A Mirror of the Body

Language diagnosis is not simply a superficial observation. It is an art that requires training and experience to perform accurately.

Oriental Medicine doctors study the tongue for about 10 years in various aspects: color, coating, shape, mobility, size, moisture, and the characteristics of the tips and edges.

Each of these elements can provide essential clues about the internal state of the body and its organs.

As long as it is accompanied by other diagnostic aspects such as the pulse, verbal and non-verbal communication, the touch of energy resonator points and the different parts of the body such as the iris, complexion, body posture, among others.

1. The Color of the Tongue: Reflection of Energy and Organs

The color of the tongue is one of the first aspects analyzed in a diagnosis. A healthy tongue is generally pink in color, indicating a proper balance of energy (Qi) and good blood circulation. However, when the color varies, we may be faced with different imbalances:

• • Red Tongue: A reddish color on the tongue usually indicates the presence of internal heat, which may be associated with inflammation, infections or intense emotions such as anger. If the tongue is intensely red, it could suggest an excess of Yang, the hot and active principle in the body.
  • Pale Tongue: A pale tongue is a sign of Qi or blood deficiency, which indicates that the body lacks vital energy. This color may be related to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and feeling cold.
  • Purple or Bluish Tongue: The presence of a purple or bluish tone suggests blood stagnation or the presence of internal cold. This stagnation can manifest itself in the body as pain, circulatory problems or chronic diseases.

2. The Coating of the Tongue: Indicator of Internal Conditions

The coating of the tongue, also known as a coating, is another crucial feature in diagnosis. The normal coat is thin and white, reflecting good digestive status and balance in body fluids. However, when the coating changes in color or thickness, it may be indicative of unbalanced internal conditions:

• • Thick and White Coating: This type of coating suggests the presence of cold or humidity on the body. It may be related to digestive problems, fluid retention or the presence of phlegm.
  • Yellow Coating: A yellow coating indicates heat in the body, especially in the digestive organs such as the stomach or liver. This heat may be due to infections, inflammation, or a diet rich in hot and spicy foods.
  • Grey or Black Lining: When the lining is gray or black, it is a sign of a serious illness or severe stagnation. This type of tongue requires immediate medical attention, as it may be indicating an advanced chronic pathology or a critical imbalance in the body.

3. The Shape of the Tongue: Key to Identify Imbalances

The shape of the tongue also provides valuable information about internal health. A swollen or inflamed tongue can signal problems with fluid retention or Qi deficiency, especially in the spleen and kidneys. On the other hand, a thin tongue may indicate a deficiency of blood or body fluids:

• • Swollen Tongue: Indicates a Qi deficiency that affects the body's ability to move fluids, resulting in retention and a feeling of heaviness. It may be associated with bloating, feeling full after eating, or general weakness.
  • Thin Tongue: A thinner than normal tongue suggests a deficiency of blood or fluids, which may be related to symptoms such as dry skin, dry eyes and a feeling of exhaustion.
  • Cracked Tongue: Cracks in the tongue are a sign of internal heat or fluid deficiency. This may be associated with conditions such as dehydration, fever, or imbalances in yin, the cold, passive energy of the body.

4. Mobility and Size of the Tongue: Indicators of Internal Energy

The mobility of the tongue and its size are also important in the diagnosis. A rigid tongue may indicate energetic stagnation or the presence of internal wind, which in Eastern Medicine is associated with disorders such as tremors or dizziness:

• • Rigid Tongue: It can be a sign of internal wind or stagnation, which in clinical practice translates into symptoms such as spasms, tremors or numbness. This type of tongue suggests that there is a blockage in the flow of energy, which may require immediate treatment.
  • Trembling Tongue: A trembling tongue may suggest a deficiency of Qi or blood, or the presence of internal wind. This condition is common in people with anxiety, extreme exhaustion, or after a prolonged illness.

5. Tongue Dampness: Evaluating Fluid Balance

The wetness of the tongue is a direct reflection of the balance of fluids in the body. A wet tongue indicates a good state of body fluids, while a dry or sticky tongue can suggest more serious problems:

• • Wet Tongue: Indicates a proper balance in body fluids and is generally a sign of good health.
  • Dry Tongue: A dry tongue suggests a fluid deficiency, which may be associated with dehydration, fever, or excess heat in the body.
  • Dry Tongue: A dry tongue suggests a fluid deficiency, which may be associated with dehydration, fever, or excess heat in the body.

6. Tips and Edges of the Tongue: Revealing the Emotional State

The tips and edges of the tongue can reflect the emotional condition and health of specific organs such as the heart and liver. For example, red tips often indicate warmth in the heart, which may be related to emotional stress or anxiety:

• • Red Tips: They indicate heat in the heart, which in emotional terms translates into stress, anxiety or insomnia. This heat may be the result of repressed emotions or chronic stress.
  • Red Edges: They suggest heat in the liver, which is related to emotions such as anger or frustration. This type of tongue may be present in people who experience constant irritability or tension.

The Importance of Language Diagnosis in Oriental Medicine

Language diagnosis in Oriental Medicine is a practice rich in knowledge and tradition.

It not only offers a deep insight into a person's physical state, but also connects physical well-being with emotional and energetic well-being. By understanding what the tongue reveals, Eastern Medicine doctors can design personalized treatments that address both the visible symptoms and the underlying causes of imbalances in the body.

For those seeking a more holistic and preventative approach to their health, tongue diagnostics are an invaluable tool. However, it must always be accompanied by all diagnostic aspects such as the pulse, verbal and non-verbal communication, the touch of energy resonator points and the different parts of the body such as the iris, complexion and body posture to give a assertive and complete diagnosis.

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